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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Hey, what do you REALLY want?

I just finished an article from a publicist. (Yes, I'm always trying to learn how to better reach readers!) This publicist claims most authors miss the boat entirely by titling their entries as Promo and Excerpt. She said the headline to any promo should something to lure the reader in with a promise of what the reader wantts to hear, not what the author wants to say.

I agree completely. but this doesn't take into account that many sites where authors attempt to promote demand that you label your little contribution as 'promo and excerpt'. But in blogging, where I have a choice, I'm certainly going to be more sensitive to what my reader wants.

So let's repeat the questions. What do you, my reader, REALLY want? Do you really want to hear about my latest book and read an excerpt? Or do you really want to hear about the one I'm writing? Or none of the above? Would you like to discuss the fluctuating state of publishing today? Or how about hints to help a budding writer? Or something else entirely? I promise I'll blog about any subject at all if it's what you truly want.

So if you  want to start a discussion I want to join in. How about leaving a comment on what you like to read in blogs, and if there's anything in particular we can discuss?

Of course I'm not completely without motive here. My latest Elf book came out just four days ago and I'm still thrilled. Forbidden Pursuit was held up for months with a situation resulting in a wonderful new editor, but I regret the time lost. However the fourth book, Dangerous Pursuit is under edit and will follow shortly.

Here's an excerpt from Forbidden. These books are mild erotica, so don't read any further if you object to frank language.

The flash of her naked arms and an occasional rounded hip was enough for his libido to ignore the cold water around him. Cock already at half mast, he waited for her. He moved directly in front of her flailing arms and caught her to him, wrapping her to his body.

Startled, she began to fight his grip. Then, as if realizing he was Arden, she stopped and hugged him in a half-flirtatious, half-sincere manner.

She threw back her head and used one hand to smooth her heavy hair from her laughing face.

Arden, you frightened me. Oh, and you’re right. C’est merveilleuse. Swimming nude is so wonderful, I doubt I’ll ever want to put my suit on again.”

“You won’t have to if you marry me. We can always swim like this. Together. As much as you want.”

She started to answer, and then reared back to look into his eyes.

“You’re serious, aren’t you? But we haven’t known each other long enough for you to feel certain of what you’re saying.”

“Haven’t we?” His voice was rough as grabbed her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She clung to his shoulders, her eyes shocked but curious and intrigued. His scorching kiss widened her eyes even further, but she made no move except to tighten her hold on his neck.

   Arden hadn’t planned what he did next, it was simply the only thing in the world he could do. He indulged in the kisses they both enjoyed, kissing her face, her lips, and finally her breasts. She gave a little gasp, clinging to him tightly and squeezed her legs around him. Kissing her all the while, he lifted her nude body and let it slowly slide down on his fully erect cock.

 

10 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

Congrats on your newest releases, Jean - your covers are awesome!

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks Tina. Love my sexy elves...

Suzanne Johnson said...

Congrats on the new release, Jean!

It's hard to know what readers want to see on our blogs. I recently started a regular feature called "Shop Talk" that is getting pretty good response. Talking about covers and how they're chosen--"behind the scenes" stuff to let readers into the author's world. But I'm not sure there's one method that works...or we'd all be trying it!

Cara Marsi said...

Jean, a timely blog. You're right that most promo sites require us to use the words "promo" and "excerpt." As a reader and writer, I like to read about some of the male cover models. I always find that interesting, and some real eye candy too. I've clicked on unfamiliar blogs where the subject matter was one that interested me and was a little different from just talking about writing in general. Now I can't remember which blogs caught my attention. Blogging used to be the new promo kid on the writing block, but there are just too many blogs out there. I love your covers, and I loved the excerpt.

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks, Suzanne. Your Shop Talk sounds like a great idea. Interesting in that I can modify my covers, and suggest what I want, but have really little control. Thanks heavens I've had good artists at Ellora's Cave.

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks, Cara. I agree it's getting tougher all the time to get people to care about what you're saying. I agree there are way to many blogs out there now. I wonder if we won't have a shift sway from them as they get less effective. But a shift to what???

Marianne Stephens said...

Blogs should be informative, but not overwhelming with information. I like reading shorter blogs that talk about writing and books.
And, it IS hard to figure out what will keep readers motivated to read our blogs.

ELF said...

Belated Happy Birthday Jean! I don't mind when things are labeled, it makes it easier to find information about novels. I am always fascinated to read about authors' personal lives, what was involved in bringing a particular story to print and background for it. It gives me a chance to see the person behind the author's persona (and I enjoy seeing what they're doing in their private lives).

ELF
http://thereadingaddict-elf.blogspot.com/

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks, Marianne. I agree thta some blogs are way too long. I kinda shut those out. Others don't give me enough of the feel of the writer. It's tough out there!

jean hart stewart said...


Thanks, Elf. I'm always afraid I'll come across as egotistical if I talk too much about myself. Maybe I'll reconsider that. I can already see my next blog, How I Got Started as a Writer!

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